Ensuring safety during construction: An imperative

Accidents during construction due to failure of the under-construction structure are a rarity in most countries. The reason is that safety is considered as the number one priority in every construction work all over the world, be it a bridge, flyover, building or any other structure. There is no doubt that in other parts of the world it is not always that the most experienced contractor or the contractor with the most reputed track record is awarded the project, but the authority ensures that the contractor who is awarded the project has some experience in constructing the structure. This is done because a contractor who may not have prior experience in doing such type of project may not be aware of the proper techniques, which may lead to breach of the safety of the general public. This is why authorities in other parts of the world strictly ensure that no one plays with the safety of the public or tries to tamper with it because they highly value the lives of the general public.
Unfortunately, safety of the general public is not valued too highly in our country. The flyover at Bohoddarhat in Chittagong did not fail once but twice; girders were reported to have broken down during both incidents. The first incident happened about five months ago. As it happened around prayer time on Friday, there were not many people around the site of the collapse, so there were no casualties. However, no one was held responsible for the failure of the structure.
The investigation team, which was formed with the people who were responsible for the incident, concluded that it was just a mere accident. The same type of incident happened again on November 24. At least thirteen people died when the girders of the flyover fell on top of them.
Failures of structures are not mere accidents. They may happen because of low quality construction materials, lack of safety measures during the construction process, improper construction techniques and inexperience of contractors in carrying out such projects. Most, if not all, of these factors played a role in the failure of the structure, and the price was paid with the lives of thirteen people.
In most countries, whether or not the director or chairperson is directly responsible for a mishap, the head of the organisation or company apologises to the public, assures them that such incident will not occur in the future, informs them about the new safety procedures and steps down immediately. They do it to ensure a proper investigation. Unfortunately, this did not happen in the case of Bohaddarhat accident. Only a couple of officials who were involved in the project have been suspended temporarily. This basically means that, as soon as the news fades away, these officials will be reinstated back to their positions.
In addition, in developed countries, a neutral investigation team is formed to prepare an unbiased and credible investigation report. The people who are found guilty are punished so that such incidents do not recur, and also to let those responsible know that they will have to be accountable and face consequences if they jeopardise public safety.
The second incident at the Bohoddarhat flyover would not have happened if after the first incident a proper investigation was conducted to determine the actual cause of the accident, and the people who were found guilty were punished accordingly. Unfortunately, that did not happen and as a result the second incident took place. It seems that the lives of the thirteen people were not enough to change anything because, just like the previous incident, even this time an investigation team has been formed by the same organisation that was responsible for the accident. Therefore, it can be assumed that a proper investigation will not be conducted for this incident as well.
If a proper investigation report is not produced this time, identifying the persons and entities responsible for this accident, then it may not be surprising if a third incident happens at this same flyover or at any other under-construction structures in the country. This is because no one will be accountable for their wrongdoing. As a result, it will encourage others to ignore public safety even if that results in death of general public because they know that they will not have to face any consequences for violating public safety.
Accidents do not happen to a selected group of people. They can happen to anybody at anytime, anywhere. People who are breaching safety during the construction process can become victims themselves. Life of a human being is precious; it is not something that can be compensated for with money or other tangible or intangible things. We do not have the right to take other people's lives or do something that may put their lives in danger.
The government should immediately form a neutral team comprised of experts who are not involved with this project to make sure that a proper investigation of the accident is conducted. Based on the results of the investigation team, the government should ensure the punishment of the people who were responsible for the mishap. In addition, the government should strengthen the inspection team so that they are able to ensure the safety of construction work of public infrastructures throughout the country and also ensure that the company that is awarded to do a certain project has previous experience and has a good safety record.
The government should also campaign for safety as number one priority in construction throughout the country and inform the people involved in the construction about the consequences they will face if they violate public safety. The media can help the government in publicising the campaign. Finally, every contractor in the country should realise the importance of public safety and should take an oath to not breach public safety as they or their loved ones can also become victims. A collective effort can have a positive impact in increasing safety during construction work and reducing the number of deaths and injuries in construction zones.

The writer is Research Associate, Thailand Accident Research Center.